How to arrive

Broomstick or the Enchanted Car?

The best way to get to Edinburgh

With direct flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports from England, Wales, Ireland, USA, Canada, Scandinavia and several countries in western and central Europe, it is the easiest and the fastest way to get into the city. If you are flying from another destination you would have to probably fly into a major European hub and catch a connecting flight to the Edinburgh International Airport.

Buses are an inexpensive way to travel between cities in the UK and you can explore this option to get some of the best views of Britain’s famed countryside. Buses are punctual, efficient and comfortable; you only have to have time on your hands.

International trains leave from the brand-new Edinburgh Train Station.

Trains are often more expensive than buses but can be competitive if seats are booked early or you look out for specials.

If you will be traveling to Edinburgh from another city in the UK, you can rent a car and drive out – the pluses are the same as in traveling by bus, only you can do it faster!

Getting about the city

The real reason for the famed Scottish ruddy complexion is that there is only one form of public transport in the city and every other place needs to be walked to or biked to. Seriously, it is true! The city attractions are not too far apart and you can get most places walking. Walking in the city will not only allow you to keep your own pace but also to sample the city first hand, face to face.

If you are staying away from the city center or need to get to a place too far to walk take the bus. The fantastic bus network of the city has mostly every area covered well and getting from Place to Place B is easy. Traveling by bus is also like having your own private tour bus – the only way to see the maximum of the city in the shortest possible time and without giving the ol’ tootsies too much to do!

If you are more of the biker-type, hire one and pedal about the city…distances are short and bike lanes and paths are well marked in this very bike-friendly city.

Best places for forty-winks

With tourism taking a good turn in the last few years, the need for good accommodation options emerged and has been more than filled by hotels that cater to all kinds of budgets.

Here are some of the most popular choices of accommodations in the city:

Apex International Hotel: Located in the heart of the medieval Old Town in Grassmarket, Apex presents a striking contrast to its surroundings. The hotel is a modernistic property with spacious, well-appointed rooms and two restaurants that offer amazing views of Edinburgh Castle.

The Bonham: Once voted the 'Scottish Boutique Hotel of the Year' by Hotel Review Scotland, The Bonham is a chic boutique style property located in Drumsheugh Gardens and close to Edinburgh's West End. Housed in a Victorian building, the hotel is brightly decorated and offers 48 well appointed rooms with exceptional service.

Mercure Point Hotel: This 140-room award-winning boutique hotel is housed in a former Co-op store on the Bread Street and is huge spacious property. A popular location for fashion shoots, the Mercure is also favored by tourists looking for a luxurious and convenient place.

The Scotsman: The Scotsman is an appealing hotel on Edinburgh's North Bridge and once used to be the HQ of The Scotsman newspaper. The décor of the hotel is contemporary and blends well with its high-tech facilities. For good measure the hotel also has a fab health spa and the fitness club comes with a huge pool.

The Balmoral: The Balmoral is a luxurious offering and a landmark hotel that most locals as well as visitors and critics rate as the best in town. Not as expensive as the Scotsman, this one still cannot be called too economical; however you get what you pay for, to wit, a well equipped health spa with a pool, a good selection of bars and a Michelin starred restaurant and a great location at the top of Princes Street, next to Waverley station right in the heart of the city.

The Howard: One of the most luxurious hotels in Edinburgh, The Howard is renowned for its sumptuous interior and high standards of service. Staying here is an experience to remember with personalized service and a warm atmosphere. Located on Great King Street, The Howard is a fantastic experience and has played host to celebs like Tony Blair and Sean Connery.

Moderately priced hotels in Edinburgh are not hard to find and your best bets in this category would be the Bank Hotel situated on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, Royal Terrace Hotel with great views out to the Firth of Forth, Ten Hill Place located opposite the Festival Theatre and Orocco Pier which is one of the funkiest places in the city.

One of the best ways to feel the soul of a city is by actually living in it. Since you may not have plans to move to the Auld Reekie full time, try the next best option – renting an apartment. Having an apartment to yourself, especially if this is a family vacation means more privacy at half the rates and getting a feel of the city as you walk about gathering lunch or dinner ingredients.

One of the best in the business in apartment rentals is the Coltbridge Holiday Apartment that lies in the residential area of Murrayfield, just a short walk from Edinburgh's Princes Street. The apartment is well furnished and comfortable and can be yours for just £ 500 in the lean season. The best part of the story is the size of the apartment where you can have eight people sleeping in! Perfect for a family getaway, innit?